Misa Blam-Profesoru, S Ljubavlju 12'', 45 RPM, Discom DCM-017 (Pre-order, Out On November 30)

Discom’s tenth anniversary celebration continues with the new archival release: Misa Blam-Profesoru, S Ljubavlju (eng. To Professor, With Love) 12”, which contains the collection of the finest, previously unpublished tracks of jazz-funk-groove from Misa Blam Jazz Museum recorded between 1974 and 1987 in Yugoslavia. This record, remastered from the original master tapes and cut loud on a 12” 45 RPM, brings a glimpse of the Balkan pearl that has been undiscovered for over 50 years!

While working at the Misa Blam Jazz Museum on the archiving and digitization process of over 800 master reel-to-reel tapes, we were fortunate to encounter the finest collection of jazz, funk, and soul music in Southeast Europe. The archive contains private performances, studio sessions, and unreleased tapes from the biggest names of local jazz (Dusko Gojkovic, Sekstet Markovic-Gut, Jovan Majokovic, Dusan Prelevic), as well as guest performances and concerts from the greatest jazz legends in the world (Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Chet Baker…) during their visits to Yugoslavia. This archive has been a one-of-a-kind opportunity that has supplied us with firsthand knowledge of jazz, which is not obtainable anywhere else in the world. Our unique inspiration and the knowledge gained from that collection is the reason we proudly present to you this LP compilation of unreleased Balkan-Jazz-Funk Breaks and Tunes!

A side of the record begins with a quite mysterious and unusual ambient track called Tara. Dramatic, intense, and cinematic, with phenomenal whistling and singing by the 'King of Romani Music' Saban Bajramovic, this track is a true 'Balkan Noir' opener. The next song, called Dzin-Ce (a Serbian version of hot Mexican chili peppers), is a 'hot' groove, upbeat killer with a strange 12/8 time signature. Misa Blam's performance on the double bass is incredible, as well as virtuoso performance on the zurna and piano by backing musicians. However, the most thrilling moments come at the end of A side in a track called "Ras" Dreamy. An ethereal theme, perfectly played on piano at the beginning, continues with smooth tenor sax played with such feeling! Unforgettable!

B-side features two tracks recorded at Studio Kosutnjak in Belgrade in 1979, originally intended for the Misa Blam-Secanja LP. However, for unknown reasons, they were omitted and remained unreleased until now. What a mistake! Dorcol and Bermudski Trougao are superb jazz-funk tracks performed by the top Yugoslavian jazz musicians and can be found on any album by leading jazz musicians of that time.

This record is the missing part of Eastern European jazz history, a puzzle that sheds light on the complex and beautiful image of jazz heritage in the Balkans. We are proud to have had the opportunity to bring it to you right from the source: from the vast collection of master reel-to-reel tapes at the Misa Blam Jazz Museum, whose opening we will never stop dreaming of!

Review: Luka Novakovic, Vanja Todorovic

Tracklist:

A side:

1. Tara
2. Džin-Če
3. Ras

B side:

1. Dorćol
2. Bermudski Trougao

This collection features the finest previously unpublished tracks from the vaults of Misa Blam Jazz Museum. Recorded between 1974 and 1987 in Yugoslavia.

Music: Miša Blam
Vocals on A1: Šaban Bajramović
Keyboards: Milenko Prodanović, Miša Krstić, Slobodan Marković
Drums: Luka Bošković, Lazar Tošić
Percussins: Jelenko Milaković, Dane Popovski
Guitar: Josip Boček
Saxophone: Jovan Majoković
Flugelhorn: Stjepko Gut
Oboe (Zurna): Bora Dugić

Design, Compilation, Executive Production:
Luka Novakovic, Vanja Todorovic,
Remaster: Aleksandar Grujić
Pressing: Asutrovinyl GmbH, Made in Austria

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